...gets underway tomorrow morning in Las Vegas, NV. I'm disappointed that I can't be there this year (it was 10 minutes from home last year!), but check Mudville for updates. My write-ups from last year are here , here, here, and well, this one too. The line-up for this year looks to be great - it includes my favorites (Greyhawk and Mrs G) and more, though looks like another of my favorites, Bill Roggio, won't make it after all.
Since I can't hang out with the milbloggers in Vegas, I will be Angel-ing tomorrow - making "no sew" Blankets of Hope for our First Response backpacks. Some Soldiers' Angels in Bowie, MD have set up a 12-hour marathon event - should be fun. I'll share more later this weekend!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Why their work and our support is so important
Okay, to be fair, *tissue alert*!
Go visit Sgt Hook's blog. He's currently 12 months into a 15 month deployment to Iraq. He hasn't posted as much during this deployment, but his words are always worth reading.
This time he notes progress, American GI Janes inspiring a little Iraqi, and how our military families serve, too.
Take note, and don't forget.
Go visit Sgt Hook's blog. He's currently 12 months into a 15 month deployment to Iraq. He hasn't posted as much during this deployment, but his words are always worth reading.
This time he notes progress, American GI Janes inspiring a little Iraqi, and how our military families serve, too.
Take note, and don't forget.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Remembering 9/11
Seven years ago this morning, I was driving to work in Atlanta, listening to WKHX 101.5 country radio. I remember the morning DJ prefacing his remarks by saying something like “we like to be careful how we report these kinds of stories, but there are reports that a plane has crashed into one of the towers of the World Trade Center”.
I remember continuing to listen, thinking like many that some small plane must have had an accident, lost control. I don’t think it was clear what happened until I got to work. With no TV access, we were all on our computers trying to get news from the internet. I remember giving up on connecting to the national news sites, and successfully connecting to WashingtonPost.com.
I still remember when a colleague walked into my office to say that the first tower had fallen.
They sent us all home just before lunch.
What I remember most about my reaction to that day is captured in Allan Jackson’s song, “Where were you”. In one verse, the song asks: “Did you… Close your eyes and not go to sleep?” With the whys, the hows, and the what will bes that apparently went through many of our heads, it was hard to turn it all off and rest. And I didn’t even know anyone personally who was killed that day.
Still, when you don’t have a personal connection, it’s easy to forget the details, the impact.
However, now, living and working in Arlington, VA, I now have friends and colleagues who have vivid memories of that day at the Pentagon. One was on the way to the Pentagon from Maryland for a meeting that was to include a friend and fellow naval officer… at a location in the Pentagon that was destroyed by American Flight 77. Another colleague was on the phone talking to her husband speculating that “we [the Pentagon] have to be next” and hearing a loud noise and not immediately connecting the noise to the impact of Flight 77. Another, who I saw today at the newly dedicated Pentagon 9-11 Memorial, remembers seeing then Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld exit his office and go toward the crash site, the fire. At this morning’s dedication of the new memorial, Secretary Rumsfeld said: “Those of us who were in the Pentagon on September 11th, share — and we will always share — a very special bond with each member of their families and with each other. We will not forget the way this huge building shook.”
Now, with only one degree of separation between me and those who experienced that event first hand, whose friends and colleagues were murdered that day, remembering is not difficult. Of the speeches given today, it is Rumsfeld’s words that stand out. Two more quotes:
“Today we renew our vows to never forget how this long struggle began, and to never forget those who fell first.”
“My constant prayer is that God will bless the families of those we remember this day. And that the good Lord will bless all of those who have lost loved ones in the long struggle that has followed. We are deeply in their debt. And each of us will remain so for the rest of our lives.”
The only thing that got a longer standing ovation than Donald Rumsfeld today was the official unveiling of the memorial itself.
Things that I’ll remember and share about this morning’s dedication…
…the sun rising and slowly breaking through the clouds
…the lone bagpiper who played Amazing Grace as he walked the grounds of the new memorial
…the continuous series of airliners passing behind the Pentagon on their normal approach to National Airport (yes, they are always that close)
…being surrounded by people, men and women, in uniform and not, who intermittently wiped their eyes all morning
…the flourish with which the covers were removed from the memorial’s 184 benches
…the spontaneous and sustained applause that greeted that unveiling of the individual tributes
That end, the unveiling accompanied by the voices of military choir members, was, in a way, exultant. For those remembering loved ones and friends and colleagues, the memorial was warmly received as was the acknowledgement of its importance to them, and to the nation.
I remember continuing to listen, thinking like many that some small plane must have had an accident, lost control. I don’t think it was clear what happened until I got to work. With no TV access, we were all on our computers trying to get news from the internet. I remember giving up on connecting to the national news sites, and successfully connecting to WashingtonPost.com.
I still remember when a colleague walked into my office to say that the first tower had fallen.
They sent us all home just before lunch.
What I remember most about my reaction to that day is captured in Allan Jackson’s song, “Where were you”. In one verse, the song asks: “Did you… Close your eyes and not go to sleep?” With the whys, the hows, and the what will bes that apparently went through many of our heads, it was hard to turn it all off and rest. And I didn’t even know anyone personally who was killed that day.
Still, when you don’t have a personal connection, it’s easy to forget the details, the impact.
However, now, living and working in Arlington, VA, I now have friends and colleagues who have vivid memories of that day at the Pentagon. One was on the way to the Pentagon from Maryland for a meeting that was to include a friend and fellow naval officer… at a location in the Pentagon that was destroyed by American Flight 77. Another colleague was on the phone talking to her husband speculating that “we [the Pentagon] have to be next” and hearing a loud noise and not immediately connecting the noise to the impact of Flight 77. Another, who I saw today at the newly dedicated Pentagon 9-11 Memorial, remembers seeing then Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld exit his office and go toward the crash site, the fire. At this morning’s dedication of the new memorial, Secretary Rumsfeld said: “Those of us who were in the Pentagon on September 11th, share — and we will always share — a very special bond with each member of their families and with each other. We will not forget the way this huge building shook.”
Now, with only one degree of separation between me and those who experienced that event first hand, whose friends and colleagues were murdered that day, remembering is not difficult. Of the speeches given today, it is Rumsfeld’s words that stand out. Two more quotes:“Today we renew our vows to never forget how this long struggle began, and to never forget those who fell first.”
“My constant prayer is that God will bless the families of those we remember this day. And that the good Lord will bless all of those who have lost loved ones in the long struggle that has followed. We are deeply in their debt. And each of us will remain so for the rest of our lives.”
The only thing that got a longer standing ovation than Donald Rumsfeld today was the official unveiling of the memorial itself.
Things that I’ll remember and share about this morning’s dedication……the sun rising and slowly breaking through the clouds
…the lone bagpiper who played Amazing Grace as he walked the grounds of the new memorial
…the continuous series of airliners passing behind the Pentagon on their normal approach to National Airport (yes, they are always that close)
…being surrounded by people, men and women, in uniform and not, who intermittently wiped their eyes all morning
…the flourish with which the covers were removed from the memorial’s 184 benches
…the spontaneous and sustained applause that greeted that unveiling of the individual tributes
That end, the unveiling accompanied by the voices of military choir members, was, in a way, exultant. For those remembering loved ones and friends and colleagues, the memorial was warmly received as was the acknowledgement of its importance to them, and to the nation.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
September 10, 2008
It's been a busy month. Not much time for blogging, and what spare time I had I used for a few Soldiers’ Angels volunteer activities (another lunch at Bethesda, the memorial Run for the Fallen 10k, and the 2008 National Freedom Walk [which had a terrific turnout!]) and to write to my adopted soldiers.
However, work has finally hit a lull, so I got a chance to take a walk across town after work tonight, something I really enjoy doing. On my walks, I pass by the mid-rise office and county buildings in
It’s a beautiful night in
“Located just outside the Pentagon, the memorial park features 184 granite-topped, stainless-steel “sculptural elements” that represent the 125 lives lost in the Pentagon and the 59 deaths aboard American Airlines Flight 77. Each element has a reflecting pool of water at its base, which is flood-lit in the evening. The families of the attack victims had a hand in the memorial’s design.”
I’ll share more tomorrow.
I wore one of my Soldiers’ Angels shirts on my walk tonight, because the anniversary of 9-11 also reminds me of this George Orwell quote:
“Good people sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
Remembering those killed seven years ago, and those fighting to reduce the chances that something similar ever happens again. Godspeed.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
A Film to Watch: "Warriors... in their own words"
I first wrote about the film when I got an email with a link to the trailer clip back in the spring.
This film isn’t about Iraq or Afghanistan. It’s about those who step up to serve as warriors - as our “sheepdogs” - who do not only their best, “but what’s necessary”.
[Milblog readers may have read about “sheepdogs” before, here and here.]
Through interviews and quotations, from warriors from American history and all the way back through ancient history, this film speaks of what it is to be a warrior… and why we need them. The following quote from John Stuart Mill, economist and philosopher, is included and might be considered the Cliff Notes version of the film:
“War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.”
In my opinion, this film is a reminder of why we need to respect what our warriors volunteer to do, regardless of our political persuasions.
This is a film that should probably be picked up by high school civics, government, and history teachers. Veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm plus our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are interviewed in the film. Ilario Pantano (contributor and Associate Producer) will be a familiar name and/or face for many. Kelsey Grammer is a terrific narrator, and Neil Argo’s soundtrack is terrific.
It’s 84 minutes well spent. Order a copy and then grab a seat and a tissue.
Thank you, gentlemen, for your service and your sacrifices – I’m a grateful and humble beneficiary.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Supporting Our Wounded Warriors [bump]
The very first thing that I did as a member of Soldiers' Angels was join the "Wounded TLC Team". I'd submitted my information to adopt a troop, but there was a delay and I was anxious to participate. So I joined the team that writes to our wounded troops who are recuperating at state-side hospitals or in their homes. That was November, 2004, and I still get those weekly emails with names to write to. Their names are submitted to Soldiers' Angels by family or friends or colleagues who think they need a little extra support. Interested in writing letters? GO HERE. Or maybe you know a wounded warrior who could use some encouragement? CLICK HERE.
Since those first efforts, I occasionally have sent special care packages to our medics in theater or to our Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany. Any member of Soldiers' Angels can find out how to support our medics by monitoring postings on the Soldiers' Angels Forum. Scrowling through some blog posts by Roger (Angel of All-Things-CSH-Support) at his blog will give you some idea of the things that get sent. The rocking chairs are still my favorites. Last year, I wrote about some of what I've sent.
If you're not a member of Soldiers' Angels, there is another great opportunity to support our wounded warriors. Angel MaryAnn (who I mention frequently!) ring-leads terrific support for our ill and wounded who get sent to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center for treatment. On her blog, you'll find links to more information as to where to write to troops or what items you could send to make things a little nicer for those that often arrive with nothing more than the shirts on their backs - if that. These patients will eventually get a chance to purchase their own supplies, but if it were you, wouldn't you like to get one of these while you were getting settled? Depending on the situation, a troop might be given one of these backpacks in theater, at Landstuhl, or at places like Bethesda National Naval Medical Center or Walter Reed Army Medical Center in the Washington, DC area.
Last Saturday, I met the parents of a Marine who had received one of those backpacks. His mom mentioned it while she stopped by the hospital lounge to get a sandwich courtesy of Soldiers' Angels. Among many things, Soldiers' Angels sponsors a lunch at Bethesda once a month for patients and their family and friends. It's not an elaborate endeavor, usually just the fixings for a deli sandwich, but there's not much open for visitors on the weekend, and many times our fixings entice those who've been reluctant to eat hospital food - or any food for that matter - to have a bite to eat. We had a couple of those last weekend, and the Navy medical staff eagerly collected whatever they thought their patients would eat. Sometimes it's the fresh veggies, or the potato salad. Or a turkey sandwich (we've found a great local deli). Or a cookie (duh). Whatever, it's such a pleasure to provide a "treat" that hits the spot. In other cases, it's a handy, fresh meal for family members who have dropped everything to be with their warrior.
There are Angels that provide even more support at Walter Reed, and they've started blogging about it over here.
So if you've ever wondered what your donation to Soldiers' Angels gets used for, buying cold cuts and cookies is on the list. Each and every person that joins us for lunch passes along a thanks to all who provide the financial support for these efforts.
As someone who gets to see the impact of your gift, thanks.
Since those first efforts, I occasionally have sent special care packages to our medics in theater or to our Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany. Any member of Soldiers' Angels can find out how to support our medics by monitoring postings on the Soldiers' Angels Forum. Scrowling through some blog posts by Roger (Angel of All-Things-CSH-Support) at his blog will give you some idea of the things that get sent. The rocking chairs are still my favorites. Last year, I wrote about some of what I've sent.
If you're not a member of Soldiers' Angels, there is another great opportunity to support our wounded warriors. Angel MaryAnn (who I mention frequently!) ring-leads terrific support for our ill and wounded who get sent to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center for treatment. On her blog, you'll find links to more information as to where to write to troops or what items you could send to make things a little nicer for those that often arrive with nothing more than the shirts on their backs - if that. These patients will eventually get a chance to purchase their own supplies, but if it were you, wouldn't you like to get one of these while you were getting settled? Depending on the situation, a troop might be given one of these backpacks in theater, at Landstuhl, or at places like Bethesda National Naval Medical Center or Walter Reed Army Medical Center in the Washington, DC area.
Last Saturday, I met the parents of a Marine who had received one of those backpacks. His mom mentioned it while she stopped by the hospital lounge to get a sandwich courtesy of Soldiers' Angels. Among many things, Soldiers' Angels sponsors a lunch at Bethesda once a month for patients and their family and friends. It's not an elaborate endeavor, usually just the fixings for a deli sandwich, but there's not much open for visitors on the weekend, and many times our fixings entice those who've been reluctant to eat hospital food - or any food for that matter - to have a bite to eat. We had a couple of those last weekend, and the Navy medical staff eagerly collected whatever they thought their patients would eat. Sometimes it's the fresh veggies, or the potato salad. Or a turkey sandwich (we've found a great local deli). Or a cookie (duh). Whatever, it's such a pleasure to provide a "treat" that hits the spot. In other cases, it's a handy, fresh meal for family members who have dropped everything to be with their warrior.
There are Angels that provide even more support at Walter Reed, and they've started blogging about it over here.
So if you've ever wondered what your donation to Soldiers' Angels gets used for, buying cold cuts and cookies is on the list. Each and every person that joins us for lunch passes along a thanks to all who provide the financial support for these efforts.
As someone who gets to see the impact of your gift, thanks.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
[Updated] Please Read: Error Fixed!!! Any site with sitemeter...
...is/was crashing for anyone trying to view the site with Internet Explorer, versions 7 and older.
I downloaded a new, free browser, Firefox, from Mozilla which doesn't have a problem (I know lots of people who have been using Mozilla products for a while). I couldn't get to some my favorite blogs (Long War Journal, Mudville, Blackfive, MichaelTotten) without the new browser.
So, I removed sitemeter.com code so that others wouldn't have a problem reading my blog if they use IE. :-)
Update: Sitemeter.com has fixed their problem :-)
I downloaded a new, free browser, Firefox, from Mozilla which doesn't have a problem (I know lots of people who have been using Mozilla products for a while). I couldn't get to some my favorite blogs (Long War Journal, Mudville, Blackfive, MichaelTotten) without the new browser.
So, I removed sitemeter.com code so that others wouldn't have a problem reading my blog if they use IE. :-)
Update: Sitemeter.com has fixed their problem :-)
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